“HE was my world and I’m absolutely heartbroken.”

Those were the words of a woman whose partner was stabbed to death in a vicious attack in a Southampton flat.

Police launched a murder investigation after the body of Michael Freshwater, 49, was discovered in the building on Westridge Road, Portswood.

A 26-year-old man and a 35-year-old man, both from Southampton, were arrested on suspicion of murder.

The 35-year-old was later released without charge and police have been given more time to question the 26-year-old.

• PHOTOS AND VIDEO: Two men arrested after man stabbed to death >>> 

Michael’s partner Jenny Downey said: “Micky was my world and I'm absolutely heartbroken. Goodnight my Micky, I will always love you.

“My life will never be the same. We had a special kind of love.

"Not only was he my partner, he was my best friend, my rock and the absolute love of my life.

"I’m left with the biggest black hole in my heart.

“Micky was a wonderful soul, a happy-go-lucky person with a beautiful heart made of gold. He would help anyone out.

“He was one of a kind, a truly amazing soul. He was a friend to many, a brother, a son and a wonderful father.”

Police cordoned off the entire length of Westridge Road until yesterday afternoon to carry out extensive forensic enquiries.

Last night the road was reopened and the cordon was reduced - but the house remained taped off and black tarpaulin was placed over the windows to obscure the view while forensics officers in white suits and masks and purple gloves scoured for clues.

Previously the entire road was closed while police teams searched neighbours's bins and nearby drains and undergrowth.

Residents leaving and entering the cordon were required to give their names to police.

Extra patrols were also launched throughout the weekend to reassure residents, although the force has stressed it is an "isolated incident".

The house features five self-contained rooms and three men and a woman are believed to have been living there.

They have all been moved and put in temporary accommodation.

A 40-year-old man who lives nearby said that police are often called to the property and said: "It's always kicking off there. This time I heard someone got stabbed.

"Someone told me that there was blood everywhere and blood on the walls."

The property's landlord Peter Loizou said he provides accommodation for homeless people or those who have fallen on hard times.

He said: "The first I heard was when a tenant frantically phoned me at 10pm on Friday and I told them they should go and stay with their family for a few days.

"I couldn't believe this was happening. It's the kind of thing you see in the movies.

"My heart goes out to the person who has died and their family."

Rosie Szajnowska, 22, was among horrified residents who saw police swooping on the house.

She said: "There were around five police cars an ambulance and loads of bigger police vans.

"When they shut the road I realised it was something serious happening.

"It makes you feel bad. I've never heard anything like this happening here as it is normally a very quiet area."

Detectives are now appealing for information and are asking any residents to come forward if they saw anything suspicious.

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Heelan said: “We understand that news of this incident will have caused concern among residents in the area, so our neighbourhood officers will carried out reassurance patrols throughout the weekend."

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Major Crime Investigation Team at Southampton Central police station on 101, quoting Operation Windless, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.